It had all started as a joke, you being Kyle's 'work wife,' a nickname everyone used since you were the closest to the sergeant, other than MacTavish. Strangely, he had found comfort in your company, a place where he could let his guard down instead of keeping his walls up.

And, oh boy, how he wished he hadn’t. The unexpected happened—you caught feelings and constantly gave him hints to take things further, to move beyond the teasing and make it official. All you wanted was his love and attention.

Yet he never seemed convinced, scared out of his mind and inexperienced when it came to caring for a significant other. Maybe he was being selfish, wanting what was best for you while avoiding leading you on.

It hurt, yes, but you always fought for him, for what you could be together. That was, until his eyes fell on someone else—the new sergeant. No one noticed at first, not even you, as things escalated between them. The care he showed her, the concern, the soft looks, the quiet conversations exchanged in the base's hallways.

You didn’t realize until you saw them after a mission. Your teeth were chattering, body trembling from the cold, and all you wanted was to warm up next to Kyle. It had become a habit, and he always made sure your comfort came before his.

"Bloody hell, you're freezing. Take my jacket and gloves, they're much warmer." His words were reassuring as he wrapped his jacket around the sergeant’s shoulders, right in front of you.

Her shoulders and not yours.